Employment OS for your Business

Therapeutic Support Worker

Child & Youth Therapeutic Programs • Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600, Australia • Part-time
AI Job Summary
  • Minimum 2–3 years working with high‑risk, complex clients in OOHC, youth, disability, or mental health settings.
  • Proven experience managing aggressive, dysregulated or high‑risk behaviours, including de‑escalation and crisis response
  • Certificate IV in Child, Youth or Community Services (or equivalent) as an essential qualification.

Role Type

On-site • Permanent • Part-time • Mid-level

Description

About Striive Care

Striive Care is a values-driven, trauma-informed organisation delivering therapeutic residential care and NDIS services across Canberra and surrounding regions. We support children and young people with complex trauma, complex disabilities, high-risk behaviours, and significant support needs to stabilise, heal, and build independent futures.

About the Role

We are seeking resilient, experienced, and confident Therapeutic Support Workers to work with children and young people presenting with high-risk and complex behaviours in an OOHC residential setting.

This is a demanding, hands-on role suited to individuals who can maintain composure, boundaries, and sound judgement in high-pressure environments. You will be required to actively manage escalations, respond to crisis situations, and provide consistent therapeutic care within a structured home environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide safe, consistent, and therapeutic care in line with trauma-informed practices

• Actively manage high-risk behaviours, de-escalate incidents, and respond to crisis situations

• Implement behaviour support plans and follow therapeutic frameworks consistently

• Maintain clear professional boundaries at all times

• Support structured routines, education, appointments, and daily living skills

• Complete accurate and timely documentation (shift notes, incident reports)

• Work collaboratively with clinicians, case managers, and leadership

• Contribute to a stable, structured, and safe home environment

Skills & Experience

• Essential – Certificate IV in Child, Youth or Community Services (or equivalent)

• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience working with high-risk, complex clients in OOHC, youth, disability, or mental health settings

• Proven experience managing aggressive, dysregulated, or high-risk behaviours

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and behavioural support strategies

• Demonstrated resilience, emotional regulation, and ability to remain calm under pressure

• Ability to apply consistent boundaries and make sound decisions in dynamic environments

• Strong communication and documentation skills

• Shifts are available across mornings, afternoons, and active nights, seven days a week.

Mandatory Requirements

• Valid ACT WWVP registration (or willingness to obtain)

• National Police Check (within 6 months)

• International Police Check (if applicable)

• Valid First Aid & CPR

• Current driver’s licence and reliable vehicle

• Driving history (last 10 years)

What We Offer

• Meaningful, high-impact work with vulnerable young people

• A supportive team with strong leadership

• Ongoing training in trauma-informed practice and behaviour management

• Career progression opportunities

• Access to confidential wellbeing and counselling support

Child Safety Commitment

 Striive Care is a child-safe organisation committed to safeguarding the well-being of all children and young people in our care. All applicants must undergo child-related employment screening, including a valid National Criminal History Check, registration under the Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) scheme in the ACT (or equivalent), and other required necessary documents.

The successful appointment will be subject to the satisfactory outcome of all required screening processes, including National and/or International Criminal History Checks, WWVP registration, and the provision of other necessary valid/ updated documentation as applicable.

 How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria below via SEEK. To learn more about us, visit www.striivecare.com.au

Cover Letter – Selection Criteria (Mandatory)

1. Describe your experience supporting children and young people in residential or community settings.

2. Explain your understanding of trauma-informed care and how you apply it in daily practice.

3. Share an example of how you managed a challenging behaviour and maintained professional boundaries.

4. How do you support a structured home environment while promoting independence and emotional safety for young people?

5. Outline your experience in working as part of a multidisciplinary team and your communication approach in high-stress environments.

Company Overview

Striive is a children and young-focused organisation committed to providing innovative services and solutions that cultivate a sense of belonging, safety, and empowerment. By breaking free from traditional corporate structures and prioritising the voices of our team and our clients, we create a meaningful impact in the lives of children, young people and their families, inspiring each individual to embrace a future filled with opportunity. At Striive, we believe in the power of delving deeper to uncover positive directions for our future generations.